Farm House:: What is a Farmhouse & How to Invest in one?

In the past few decades, there has been a trend among urban investors, to own a piece of land in the rural areas and convert them into vacation homes with lots of greenery and landscaping around. As the vertical expansion of buildings in metropolitan cities, leaves little space for greenery and open spaces, the demand for such housing options has increased and people have actively started to invest in land in remote areas. A farmhouse is one of such housing type, which allows the investor to own a land and a vacation home amid greenery.

Table of Contents

See also: A peek into MS Dhoni’s farmhouse in Ranchi

What does a farmhouse mean?

A farmhouse is a kind of property in an agricultural setting, which is used for residential purpose. Usually surrounded by a farm or a garden, such properties are also used as vacation homes with rural flavour. Generally, farmhouses are spread on a huge chunk of land with front porches. Depending upon the available land, farmhouses can be one or two storeys and are often used as second homes or weekend getaways.

See also: All about duplex interior design

What makes a property a farmhouse?

Farmhouses are often just dwellings constructed on agricultural areas to shelter and protect those who owned or farmed the land. The word “farmhouse” refers to a location for a way of life rather than necessarily a specific design style denoted by a fixed set of characteristics. This is perhaps why its allure seems to be enduring. A farmhouse is basic yet lovely. It symbolises a tranquil way of life in the countryside while also acting as the hub of activity, which links it to production. The farmhouse may be thought of as a haven, a secure setting based on simplicity, honesty, and values. It also provides a means for the farm’s people to be fairly self-sufficient, depending on the sort of farm.

This kind of house may take many different shapes. Owing to their simple designs, farmhouses are simple to extend by adding porches, outbuildings, and wings. Depending on what you want from a home, these homes may also be dressed up or down. Every home has the impression of the people who had resided there, creating a truly vernacular design that caters to regional requirements and tastes.

Types of farmhouse

1.Industrial farmhouse

Source: Pinterest

You might want to attempt the industrial farmhouse design style if your husband wants to have a role in how your house is decorated. As a result of drawing its inspiration from the large machinery utilised on farms, this particular farmhouse style is believed to be more masculine. Industrial farmhouses are characterised by elements like exposed beams, cold metals, natural wood, and industrial lighting and hardware. Some key characteristics of an industrial farmhouse,

a warm colour scheme
off-white with black accents
sconces with Edison bulbs
rustic wood that is thick and hefty
furnishings with rusted-out iron frames

2.Scandinavian farmhouse

Source: Pinterest

When it comes to furnishing a Scandinavian farmhouse, simplicity is key. Building a simple, modest, and light dwelling is the core concept of this farmhouse design aesthetic. You’ll get halfway there if you decorate with a purpose and adhere to the maxim “less is more.” Modernism and simplicity are brought by the Scandinavian component of this design, while a cosier, more cosy atmosphere is provided by the farmhouse component. Key characteristics of Scandinavian farmhouse,

natural resources
furniture with delicate curves and clean lines
doors, window trimmings, cabinets, built-ins, and counters with simple woodwork
light-colored wood floors
muted colours with accents of black or grey

3.Rustic Farmhouse

Source: Pinterest

This farmhouse interior design concept is perfect for you if you enjoy shopping at flea markets and recycling furniture. All of the handmade details and roughness seen in rustic farmhouses are unique from other iterations of this type. White walls are one distinguishing characteristic that rustic farmhouses do share with other variations. This farmhouse design style seems especially cosy and down to earth thanks to its white colour palette and old furnishings. Some other characteristics of Rustic farmhouse,

uncolored palette
open shelves with tin and galvanised metal decorations from the past
damaged warm-to-grey woods (shutters, seating, wall decor)
backsplashes with subway tiles
industrial elements and decor made of blackened steel

What is the use of a farmhouse?

A farmhouse is a real estate investment with huge appreciation potential. Moreover, with land being a valuable asset, the owner has the luxury of disposing of a part of this land when in need of liquidity. Such investments also give owners the flexibility of managing their investment and selling it when they can get better returns on the investment. Apart from this, in the northern parts of India, farmhouses are not just being used as second homes but some owners today, are also using it for commercial purposes for wedding parties, corporate events, etc.

See also: All about condo house

Top places to build farmhouses in India

Karnataka

There is no better location than Karnataka to construct a hideaway farmhouse. We are able to make such a claim since we personally visited the area and planned to build farmhouses in several Karnataka regions. The red soil, which guarantees the crop is fruitful, comes with a lovely landscape. With our active projects in places like Thalli, Sakleshpur, and Chikkaballapur, you may reserve your property right immediately to create a getaway farmhouse and a passive income. One benefit of investing in farmland or farmhouses in India is that the earnings and dividends from the sale of the land are tax-exempt. But there are regional differences in agricultural land laws. Anyone can acquire agricultural land in certain states, like Telangana, whether or not they are farmers, while in others, like Karnataka, only registered farmers or those from farming families are allowed to do so.

Chennai

Chennai has its farmhouses in India’s hotspots in coastal Pondicherry (Puducherry), a unique microcosm that was once a French colony and has preserved the majority of that time, and Yercaud near Salem, a fantastic hill station nestled in the Shevaroys range of hills and perched at 1515 metres above sea level.

A number of second home possibilities are available in Pondicherry, a popular vacation spot for Chennai residents, thanks to local and international developers. Farmhouses are the most common form of second home, and they may cost anywhere from Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 2.5 crore. Residential plots may be purchased for anywhere between Rs. 30 lakh and Rs. 1.5 crore. Recently, the serene beauty of Yercaud has attracted Chennai residents looking for a better second home. Due to its relatively recent entry into this market, it still lacks reliable developers working on projects; local businesses are currently catering to the competition, but it won’t be long until things change.

Farmhouse interior decoration styles

Source: Pinterest

We can never have enough gorgeous farmhouse décor. We don’t think you need a chicken coop or a barn to benefit from this ultra-chic design strategy; in fact, we think the reverse is true. Admire these modern-rustic interior design concepts! You may find ideas for decorating every room in your house in a farmhouse style in this area. Get professional guidance on everything from farmhouse kitchens and bedrooms to rustic bathrooms and more in this article. These suggestions will keep you inspired and your audience gaping in awe. Of all, there isn’t much more motivating than a cosy chair straight out of a Western movie or a reclaimed wood coffee table with vintage gingham curtains.

Add a bed made of iron to your bedroom.
Farmhouse Kitchen Island Repurposed
The Countryside’s Kitchen Collections
Wood Stacks for Heat
Add a bed made of iron to your bedroom.

Have fun and be adventurous as the contemporary farmhouse interior design movement of today is all about a low-key fusion of stark minimalism and country chic components. This is one decor style that embraces independence and originality.

For a cosy, calming atmosphere, a contemporary farmhouse’s interior is all about a lively blend of the old and the new. Unique purchases, hand-me-down heirlooms, and artistic (not crafts) ornamental additions will keep the space interesting. And combine periods and components freely to make the blend glisten with seductive details and texture plays. Modern farmhouse design is built on organic and natural elements. For a modern farmhouse kitchen décor, find a variety of industrial metals that are complemented by gleaming white marble worktops and a huge farmhouse sink.

Things to know before investing in a farmhouse

Check if the land you are buying is fertile. The registry papers should have all information about the land, type of soil and crops grown on the land, etc.
Ensure that your land has a property wall fencing. Also, check for other facilities such as water availability, electricity connection and distance from the main road, as most people prefer their home in a lush and peaceful area.
The agricultural or farmland you are buying should have government approval for sale, as the absence of this can create issues at later stages. Also, not all states allow the sale of farmlands to non-farmers. This should be checked beforehand, to avoid last-minute hassles.
When buying a farmland, it is also essential to check the amount of taxes applicable. There may be different tax rates applicable for various types and sizes of farmhouses and farmlands.
Further, make sure you understand the limits of the property lines by looking at the land records. Also, if the farmhouse is zoned only for cultivating crops, it may not be used for raising livestock on it. It is important to verify these points.

See also: Everything you need to know before buying non-agricultural land in India

Disadvantages of investing in a farmhouse

The largest disadvantage would be having to adjust to the substantial change in the environment because you would have had to move closer to your crops, which would probably be in a remote area. Even if you don’t, it will take a lot of effort to regularly visit your plot to ensure its upkeep. Unless you have a trustworthy relative or friend living nearby, you will also need to spend a lot of money protecting your land from unauthorised squatters.
The qualities of the crops you plant will determine how much money you make if you wish to rent your land to a grower. Too many external elements, such as the climate and available freshwater supplies, have an influence on the product, which leads to variable sales.
You cannot construct a farmhouse or a vacation home on your land because of constraints. You will be knowledgeable about these additional requirements to reduce any legal squabbles.

Are plots/land preferable over farmhouses?

Due to the advantages of location, accessibility to amenities, ease of communication, less buying restrictions, flexibility in building, low maintenance requirements, and comparably lower costs that plots/land provide, most people choose them over farmhouses.

Farmhouses	Modernhouse
Farmhouse homes are renowned for their simplicity, usefulness, and utility and are closely related to the country house design. These sturdy houses cater to our feeling of community by providing roomy meeting areas and lots of outside space for the best family reunions and entertaining guests.	Modern Houses, a delicate blending of comfort and design, combine opulent amenities with the comfort and natural aspects of big centres. Location is one of the main distinctions between a farmhouse and a modern residence. Farmhouse houses are often located in rural or suburban regions, but Modern Houses may be found anywhere, from the country to the city.

Is permission required to construct farmhouse on agricultural land?

Legally speaking, one cannot construct a house on agricultural land. The rules for the same differs from one state to another. One may have to apply for CLU (Change of Land Use) from the department concerned for the conversion of the agricultural land for residential purposes and building a house.

In Karnataka, farmhouses can be built on agricultural land, of size not more than 10% of the landholding, according to the Karnataka Land Revenue Act. Moreover, the farmhouse must be for self-use only or for residential purposes by family members, dependents, and servants. Farmers can use the property for agricultural activities, keeping agricultural products and tethering cattle.

FAQs

What makes a house a farmhouse?

In simple words, homes built on agricultural land are called farmhouses.

How do you maintain a farmhouse?

It is easy to maintain a farmhouse if you can keep security guards for round-the-clock safety and construct a wall fence.

Can a farmhouse have a swimming pool?

Yes, a farmhouse can have a swimming pool, provided it is allowed by the local authorities in the region’s construction rules and approval for the same has been obtained.

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Anil Shah

Anil Shah, is your go-to source for property market insights. He excels at understanding and explaining the latest trends in residential real estate and making complex real estate concepts easier to grasp. Anil’s fact-based analysis helps buyers and investors make sound decisions in the housing sector.